The Reach for the Stars (RFTS) Nursing Scholarship is a unique opportunity for St. Joseph’s Health to invest in our employees and “grow our own” nurses. This program supports current St. Joseph’s Health team members who are pursuing an undergraduate nursing degree by helping cover tuition, required textbooks, and reasonable educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded twice each year. Eligible employees are encouraged to apply and take the next step toward becoming a registered nurse.

Program Purpose

The Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship was created to address the growing demand for registered nurses while supporting career advancement for our employees.

By expanding access to nursing education, the program:

• Strengthens our internal workforce
• Supports employees in achieving their goal of becoming Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Helps address the ongoing national nursing shortage

Program Impact

Since its founding in 2016, the Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program has:

• Awarded hundreds of scholarships nationwide
• Supported healthcare employees in advancing into nursing roles
• Contributed to building a strong, sustainable nursing workforce

Funding & Selection

This scholarship program is made possible through the generosity of donors who are committed to supporting St. Joseph’s Health team members in pursuing careers in nursing.

A scholarship committee reviews all applications and awards funding based on demonstrated potential for success in a nursing program.

Eligibility Requirements (As required by Reach for the Stars Program)

An applicant must be:

• Current St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center employee interested in pursuing a nursing career and must maintain at least part-time employment (8-12 hours per week) at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center throughout the course of the program.
• Employed at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center for at least 6 months at the time of scholarship application deadline and have no hospital disciplinary action write up in the previous 12 months.
• Must have completed prerequisites for nursing school and accepted to, or enrolled in an ADN, AAS, BSN or ABSN program at one of the following schools:
  
  • Onondaga Community College, 4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215 
  • SUNY Empire 2 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 
  • SUNY Morrisville 80 Eaton St, Morrisville, NY 13408 
  • SUNY Binghamton 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850 
  • Mohawk Valley Community College 1101 Sherman Dr, Utica, NY 13501 

• Eligible for in-state tuition only
• Willing to commit to employment with St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center for 2 year(s) upon completion of nursing degree
• Limited scholarships available for RN to BSN applicants
• Review the policy labeled Reach For The Stars  

Application Process

• Complete and submit application form that includes a 500-word personal statement on why you should be awarded the scholarship.
• Coordinate submission of three (3) recommendation letters. All three recommendations must be from professional sources working within St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center (NO family members). One of the recommendations must be from the applicant’s direct supervisor / manager who is familiar with the applicant’s work performance.
• Participate in a panel interview.
• Submit application by May 31st and/or October 31st which is also designated on the St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center website.

Application Materials

• Application form, along with supplemental items, including all college transcripts, if applicable, and nursing school admittance letter
• Personal statement form
• Recommendation forms

Accepting Applications: May 1st-31st and October 1st-31st each year. It is open till midnight of the last day.

Decisions Made by: If you apply for May, interviews will be conducted in June. You must be available for interviews in June. Decisions will be made in June. If you apply for October, interviews will be conducted in November. You must be available for interviews in November. Decisions will be made in November. You will be notified of dates and times for interviews via email.

Recipient of the Scholarship Will Receive:

• Tuition, books, fees, etc.
• Receive $1,000.00 to be used for other related expenses, such as nursing uniforms, nursing shoes a stethoscope, patches, pins, and other miscellaneous school related expenses
• The scholarship will cover HESI and NCLEX exam fees if not included in school’s tuition and fee schedule.